May 2023 Session
Registration information: All beginner classes for the May session are full. A few advanced members-only classes still have space or drop-in spots available. Please watch for notices on the members listserv or contact the registrar or instructor directly to check availability.
Beginning Dog Training Classes
The Beginner obedience classes are held at the IDTC Training Space at The Shops at Ithaca Mall and are open to the general public. The normal progression through the classes is Puppy (if age appropriate), Beginner 1, Beyond Beginner 1 (optional), Beginner 2, CGC. Check the calendar on the homepage or the list below for this session's offerings.
Applications open the first day of the month before the session starts. Preference is given to club members, current students, and then new students. Register using the link above, you will be asked to provide vaccination information as an attachment and pay the fee ($110 for non-members, $20 for active members, $70 for inactive members) by check. Members may pay by PayPal.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the application process, please contact the Registrar, Marian Szebenyi.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Applications open the first day of the month before the session starts. Preference is given to club members, current students, and then new students. Register using the link above, you will be asked to provide vaccination information as an attachment and pay the fee ($110 for non-members, $20 for active members, $70 for inactive members) by check. Members may pay by PayPal.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the application process, please contact the Registrar, Marian Szebenyi.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Wednesdays @ 5PM / Beginner 2 (full)
Instructor Kathy Wolf, assistant Jackie Gumtow
Limited to 8 students - Full
May 10, 17, 24, 31; June 7, 14, 21
Build on training begun in Beginner I or Puppy Beginner to widen your dog's experience and improve reliability.
Limited to 8 students - Full
May 10, 17, 24, 31; June 7, 14, 21
Build on training begun in Beginner I or Puppy Beginner to widen your dog's experience and improve reliability.
wednesdays @ 6:15pm / Puppy Beginner (full)
Instructor Kathy Wolf, assistant Becky Robinson
Limited to 8 students - Full
May 10, 17, 24, 31; June 7, 14, 21
A first class for puppies 3-6 months old. Covers manners and an introduction to basic obedience, as well as some socialization and fun activities. Successful completion of this course will enable your puppy to get the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy certification.
Limited to 8 students - Full
May 10, 17, 24, 31; June 7, 14, 21
A first class for puppies 3-6 months old. Covers manners and an introduction to basic obedience, as well as some socialization and fun activities. Successful completion of this course will enable your puppy to get the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy certification.
Wednesdays @ 7:30PM / Beginner 1 (Full)
Instructor Marian Szebenyi, Assistant Aimee Schulz
Limited to 8 students - Full
May 10, 17, 24, 31; June 7, 14, 21
For dogs 6 months and up with no previous formal training. Covers problem solving, attention, basic obedience (sit, down, come, stay, walk on a leash).
Limited to 8 students - Full
May 10, 17, 24, 31; June 7, 14, 21
For dogs 6 months and up with no previous formal training. Covers problem solving, attention, basic obedience (sit, down, come, stay, walk on a leash).
Thursdays @ 5pm / Beginner 1 (full)
Instructor Marian Szebenyi, assistant Marlene Barken
Limited to 8 students - Full
May 11, 18, 25; June 1, 8, 15, 22
For dogs 6 months and up with no previous formal training. Covers problem solving, attention, basic obedience (sit, down, come, stay, walk on a leash).
Limited to 8 students - Full
May 11, 18, 25; June 1, 8, 15, 22
For dogs 6 months and up with no previous formal training. Covers problem solving, attention, basic obedience (sit, down, come, stay, walk on a leash).
Thursdays @ 6:15PM / Beginner 2 (Full)
Instructor Lisa D'Annibale, Assistant Jackie Puleo
Limited to 8 students - Full
May 11, 18, 25; June 1, 8, 15, 22
Build on training begun in Beginner I or Puppy Beginner to widen your dog's experience and improve reliability.
Limited to 8 students - Full
May 11, 18, 25; June 1, 8, 15, 22
Build on training begun in Beginner I or Puppy Beginner to widen your dog's experience and improve reliability.
Thursdays @ 7:30PM / Beyond Beginner 1 (FULL)
Instructor Marty Gold
Limited to 8 students - Full
May 11, 18, 25; June 1, 8, 15, 29
No class June 22
This class is for recent graduates from Beginner I who need some time to solidify the exercises learned before moving on to Beginner II.
Limited to 8 students - Full
May 11, 18, 25; June 1, 8, 15, 29
No class June 22
This class is for recent graduates from Beginner I who need some time to solidify the exercises learned before moving on to Beginner II.
Fridays @ 5:15PM / CGC (Full)
Instructor Betty Baldwin, Assistant Anne Williams
Limited to 8 students - Full
May 12, 19, 26; June 2, 9, 16, 22
Preparation for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, which will be given at the end of this class. Open to members, as well as non-members who have completed Beginner II.
Limited to 8 students - Full
May 12, 19, 26; June 2, 9, 16, 22
Preparation for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, which will be given at the end of this class. Open to members, as well as non-members who have completed Beginner II.
Advanced Obedience Classes
The Beginner obedience classes are held at the IDTC Training Space at The Shops at Ithaca Mall and are open to the general public. The normal progression through the classes is Puppy (if age appropriate), Beginner 1, Beyond Beginner 1 (optional), Beginner 2, CGC. Check the calendar on the homepage or the list below for this session's offerings.
Applications open the first day of the month before the session starts. Preference is given to club members, current students, and then new students. Register using the link above, you will be asked to provide vaccination information as an attachment and pay the fee ($20 for active members, $70 for inactive members) by check. Members may pay by PayPal.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the application process, please contact the Registrar, Marian Szebenyi.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Applications open the first day of the month before the session starts. Preference is given to club members, current students, and then new students. Register using the link above, you will be asked to provide vaccination information as an attachment and pay the fee ($20 for active members, $70 for inactive members) by check. Members may pay by PayPal.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the application process, please contact the Registrar, Marian Szebenyi.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Tuesdays @ 7pm / Advanced Obedience FOundations (Full)
Instructor Lisa Mitchell
Limited to 8 students - Full
May 9, 16, 30; June 6, 13, 20
Preparation for obedience beyond the Novice level, preference given to graduates of Beginner Novice/Novice class.
Limited to 8 students - Full
May 9, 16, 30; June 6, 13, 20
Preparation for obedience beyond the Novice level, preference given to graduates of Beginner Novice/Novice class.
Fridays @ 4pm / Obedience and Rally practice
Supervised by Susan Morse
Limited to 8 students
May 12, 19, 26; June 2, 9, 16, 23
Opportunity to practice on your own, help each other. For members only, working at the Beginner Novice to beginning Open level. A ring will be set up; people will each have a chance to work individually in the ring. A group sit and down stay will be run at some point. Outside the ring there will be space to practice individual obedience/rally exercises; cones will be out for figure 8s, etc.
Limited to 8 students
May 12, 19, 26; June 2, 9, 16, 23
Opportunity to practice on your own, help each other. For members only, working at the Beginner Novice to beginning Open level. A ring will be set up; people will each have a chance to work individually in the ring. A group sit and down stay will be run at some point. Outside the ring there will be space to practice individual obedience/rally exercises; cones will be out for figure 8s, etc.
Agility Classes
Agility classes are open to club members. Classes are held at the IDTC Training Space at The Shops at Ithaca Mall unless noted below. Check the calendar on the homepage or the list below for this session's offerings.
Applications open the first day of the month before the session starts and members will be accepted in a class based on the order they sign up or priority listed below. Register using the link above, you will be asked to provide vaccination information as an attachment and pay the fee ($20 for active members, $70 for inactive members) by check or PayPal.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the application process, please contact the Registrar, Linda Pacioretty.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Applications open the first day of the month before the session starts and members will be accepted in a class based on the order they sign up or priority listed below. Register using the link above, you will be asked to provide vaccination information as an attachment and pay the fee ($20 for active members, $70 for inactive members) by check or PayPal.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the application process, please contact the Registrar, Linda Pacioretty.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Mondays @ 3PM / Agility 2 (FULL)
Instructor Susan Morse
Limited to 6 students - Full
May 8, 15, 22, 29; June 5, 12, 19
Preference will be given to current students in the Agility 1 class.
Limited to 6 students - Full
May 8, 15, 22, 29; June 5, 12, 19
Preference will be given to current students in the Agility 1 class.
mondays @ 4pm / WEaves 2
Instructor Susan Morse
Limited to 6 students
May 8, 15, 22, 29; June 5, 12, 19
A second class in teaching weave pole performance. Preference will be given to current students in Weaves 1.
Limited to 6 students
May 8, 15, 22, 29; June 5, 12, 19
A second class in teaching weave pole performance. Preference will be given to current students in Weaves 1.
Mondays @ 5:30PM / Continuing Agility (FULL)
Instructor Abby Christman, assistant Marguerite Hart
1.5 hours, Limited to 6 students - Full
April 24, May 1, 8, 22, 29; June 5, 12, 26
No class May 15th or June 19th
This class will focus on connection and communication between dog and handler. Handlers will cultivate a balance between handler focus and obstacle focus for their dogs to create confident, controlled partners. Basic handling skill such as front cross, blind cross, rear cross, and post turn will be taught. Handlers will learn how to walk a course and make appropriate handling decisions for their dog.
Skills required:
Preference will be given to current students in the Foundations Agility class and others with instructor recommendation.
1.5 hours, Limited to 6 students - Full
April 24, May 1, 8, 22, 29; June 5, 12, 26
No class May 15th or June 19th
This class will focus on connection and communication between dog and handler. Handlers will cultivate a balance between handler focus and obstacle focus for their dogs to create confident, controlled partners. Basic handling skill such as front cross, blind cross, rear cross, and post turn will be taught. Handlers will learn how to walk a course and make appropriate handling decisions for their dog.
Skills required:
- Dogs need to be quietly crated when it is not their turn in the ring, enter and exit the ring under control, and have a solid stay and off-leash recall in an exciting environment.
- Dogs need to be able to safely navigate tunnels (curved and straight), jumps (single, double, triple, broad, high), and the table. Dogs should be able to execute a short course (3-4 obstacles) in a controlled manner.
- Dogs should be familiar with the contacts and able to execute them in a safe manner on their own. Two on/two off end behavior will be refined, and contacts will be introduced in sequences, gradually working up to full height and speed.
- Weaves are not a prerequisite for this class and will not be taught, as a dedicated weave class is the best way to make progress. Students are encouraged to take a weaves class concurrently.
Preference will be given to current students in the Foundations Agility class and others with instructor recommendation.
Fridays @ 6:30PM / skills and Drills - Starts April 14!
Instructor Sue Yanoff
Limited to 5 students, 2 hours
Four weeks: April 14, 21, 28, May 5
Dogs must be trained on all obstacles. The class is not intended to teach the skills, but to allow the dog and handler to practice sequences of 5 to 6 obstacles.
Participants are expected to help with set-up and tear-down.
Limited to 5 students, 2 hours
Four weeks: April 14, 21, 28, May 5
Dogs must be trained on all obstacles. The class is not intended to teach the skills, but to allow the dog and handler to practice sequences of 5 to 6 obstacles.
Participants are expected to help with set-up and tear-down.
Sundays @ 2pm / Weaves 2
Instructor Susan Morse
Limited to 6 students
May 7, 14, 21, 28; June 4, 11, 25
A second class in teaching weave pole performance. Preference will be given to current students in Weaves 1.
Limited to 6 students
May 7, 14, 21, 28; June 4, 11, 25
A second class in teaching weave pole performance. Preference will be given to current students in Weaves 1.
Sundays @ 3:30PM / All-level agility practice
Supervised by Susan Morse
Limited to 7 students
May 7, 14, 21, 28; June 4, 11, 25
For members that have completed Agility 1 or higher. Practice on your own, taking turns. On weeks that the class is not full, drop-ins will be accepted at $5 per week.
Limited to 7 students
May 7, 14, 21, 28; June 4, 11, 25
For members that have completed Agility 1 or higher. Practice on your own, taking turns. On weeks that the class is not full, drop-ins will be accepted at $5 per week.
Other Classes, Workshops & Seminars
Sometimes IDTC offers classes for members that don't fit in one of the above categories. Check here for offerings that may include nosework, happy ratters, parkour, fit dog, and more!
Single day workshops, seminars, and training sessions will be listed here as well.
Please read the information below carefully as these offerings may have different requirements, locations, or registration process.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Single day workshops, seminars, and training sessions will be listed here as well.
Please read the information below carefully as these offerings may have different requirements, locations, or registration process.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Mondays @ 6PM / Happy Ratters
Instructor Nancy Almann, Assistant Lisa D'Annibale
Limited to 6 students
Location: Nancy's House (address will be provided to those in class)
IDTC Members Only
May 8, 15, 22, 29
This class will provide experienced teams that will compete in the sport with the ability to hunt rats in 'urban settings' (e.g., clean recycling & trash). The focus will be on improving the hunting skills of dogs that will compete in the sport.
Register here!
Limited to 6 students
Location: Nancy's House (address will be provided to those in class)
IDTC Members Only
May 8, 15, 22, 29
This class will provide experienced teams that will compete in the sport with the ability to hunt rats in 'urban settings' (e.g., clean recycling & trash). The focus will be on improving the hunting skills of dogs that will compete in the sport.
Register here!
May 6 @ 11AM / Fido's Funky Footing Fiesta
Self-serve event put together by Nancy Almann
Location: Nancy's House (address will be provided to registrants)
May 6 (rain date May 7) from 11am to 3pm
Cost: Free!
IDTC Members Only
10-12 stations of various footings will be in our side yard. Tarps, lattice, grating, fencing, ramps, etc.
Train your dog to step confidently on these items/obstacles. Note: this is 'self-service.' There will be no instruction provided.
Register here!
Location: Nancy's House (address will be provided to registrants)
May 6 (rain date May 7) from 11am to 3pm
Cost: Free!
IDTC Members Only
10-12 stations of various footings will be in our side yard. Tarps, lattice, grating, fencing, ramps, etc.
Train your dog to step confidently on these items/obstacles. Note: this is 'self-service.' There will be no instruction provided.
Register here!
May 13 @ 10am / Workshop: Foundations for Advanced Obedience
Instructor Brenda Finnicum
Working spots: 6 teams. ($20 for Active Members $70 for Inactive Members)
Auditing: 20 spots (No Dogs) ($5 for any member)
May 13 from 10am to 2pm
Using shaping, luring, targeting, focused release and other games we will work on the first steps of drop on recall and signals, command discrimination, learning to send forward and return over the high jump, beginning of broad jump work, some parts of article work, moving stand, how and what to shape as a stanchion behavior for go outs, as well as, starting the directed jumping. Helpful if the dog understands how to use loaded targets. Good for puppies but useful for older dogs who have not started these exercises.
Register here!
Working spots: 6 teams. ($20 for Active Members $70 for Inactive Members)
Auditing: 20 spots (No Dogs) ($5 for any member)
May 13 from 10am to 2pm
Using shaping, luring, targeting, focused release and other games we will work on the first steps of drop on recall and signals, command discrimination, learning to send forward and return over the high jump, beginning of broad jump work, some parts of article work, moving stand, how and what to shape as a stanchion behavior for go outs, as well as, starting the directed jumping. Helpful if the dog understands how to use loaded targets. Good for puppies but useful for older dogs who have not started these exercises.
Register here!
Please note that IDTC is unable to accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes. If you are concerned that your dog is aggressive or reactive to people or other dogs, please ask for your vet for a referral to a certified animal behaviorist.